My favorite!!!
My "ah-ha" moment with NOS tubes...
I was just about to give up on a recent tube amp purchase (Conrad Johnson Premier 140).
First I started with new Tungsol 6550's, Sovtek 6H30's & a NOS Amperex Orange label 6922 input tube. The sound was "ok" but not as good as my previous McIntosh MC275 MKV.
Next I tried changing the 6922 signal tube to a Telefunken labeled Siemens. The highs opened up, albeit glassy and bright and the bass was lacking.
Next I replaced the Tungsol 6550's with SED 6550's. Changes, yes, but not necessarily better or worse... just different.
The "AH-HA!" moment came when I put in a Amperex PQ 7308 signal tube. Gone were the bright, glassy highs. The sound was full bodied, liquid and smooth with robust bass & mids.
I'm happy... lesson learned!
First I started with new Tungsol 6550's, Sovtek 6H30's & a NOS Amperex Orange label 6922 input tube. The sound was "ok" but not as good as my previous McIntosh MC275 MKV.
Next I tried changing the 6922 signal tube to a Telefunken labeled Siemens. The highs opened up, albeit glassy and bright and the bass was lacking.
Next I replaced the Tungsol 6550's with SED 6550's. Changes, yes, but not necessarily better or worse... just different.
The "AH-HA!" moment came when I put in a Amperex PQ 7308 signal tube. Gone were the bright, glassy highs. The sound was full bodied, liquid and smooth with robust bass & mids.
I'm happy... lesson learned!
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